ATF Charges Gun Toting Felons With Crimes But Federal Judge Sets Them Free

ALBUQUERQUE – Five young men face federal charges for allegedly running a firearms and drug trafficking operation that utilized social media platforms to sell machine gun conversion devices and cocaine.

The indictment alleges that from approximately February 13, 2024, to July 2024, Micah Maestas, 19, Dominic Ramirez, 20, Daniel Garcia, 18, and Oscar Ruiz Salmeron, 19, engaged in a conspiracy to illegally sell firearms, including machine gun conversion devices, and distribute cocaine in Bernalillo County. Jesus Ruiz Salmeron, 19, is accused of unlawfully possessing a machinegun.

The defendants allegedly used social media platforms such as Instagram and Telegram to advertise and negotiate the sale of firearms. They are accused of transporting firearms to meet buyers and completing sales for cash. Specifically:

• On February 13, 2024, Maestas, Ramirez, and Garcia allegedly distributed cocaine.
• On March 1, 2024, Maestas, Ramirez, and Garcia sold a Glock 30 .45 caliber pistol with a machine gun conversion device to an undercover officer for $1,200, distributed cocaine, and used a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
• On May 2-3, 2024, Ramirez and Garcia sold a Glock 19x with a machine gun conversion device for $1,300, distributed cocaine, and used a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
• On May 9, 2024, Maestas, Ramirez, and Oscar Ruiz Salmeron sold a Diamondback firearm 300 blackout caliber rifle for $1,100, distributed cocaine, and used a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
• On or before June 13, 2024, Jesus Ruiz Salmeron possessed and transferred a machinegun.
• On July 3, 2024, Maestas possessed and sold a Glock 19 9mm pistol with a machine gun conversion device for $1,300. The machine gun conversion device in this incident was described as “invisible,” fitting flush with the back of the firearm, whereby evading potential law enforcement detection.

Garcia will remain in custody pending trial. Maestas will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which is currently scheduled for September 24, 2024. Ramirez and the Salmeron brothers have been ordered to reside in a halfway house pending trial, which is currently scheduled for November 4, 2024.

If convicted, Garcia, Maestas, Ramirez and Oscar Ruiz Salmeron face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison up to life in prison for possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Jesus Ruiz Salmeron faces up to 10 years in prison for possession of a machine gun conversion device.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Letitia Carroll Simms is prosecuting the case.

Sadly, we have learned that United States Magistrate Judge in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jennifer M. Rozzoni has already released all of these suspects. A source who is not authorized to speak publicly to the media, says Maestas has allegedly picked up new charges after he was released.

The US Attorney argued with the Judge to keep all the defendants in custody but Judge Rizzoni said that they have not proven Maestas won’t comply with his conditions of release. A search of federal prison records indicate he has not been re-booked.

The feds often remind us that an indictment is merely an allegation. They always go on to say that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.